There’s a new kid on the theater block. Newcastle Players is a fresh face, bringing quality community theater to the East Side and Seattle Metro area. For their first show they chose the family-friendly, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. The show connects to audiences of all ages with its abundance of humor and heart and because admission is FREE, it's a low-risk opportunity to "try out" theater-going with your child.
The cast includes many familiar favorites from various Seattle stages, each perfectly cast as a member of the Peanuts gang. Children are sure to identify with the daily struggles of the characters. Whether it’s getting that kite to stay in the air, struggling with a book report, or feeling shy when your school crush looks at you, the moments and feeling are real and relatable.
Woven through the entire show are the many and various disappointments of Charlie Brown who never seems to win, to be included, or to feel that he is enough. Luckily, by the end of the show, even crabby Lucy decides to let him know that he’s a good man. Despite her constant teasing, Lucy is the one who reminds Charlie Brown of his own uniqueness and the value of just being himself.
The show is full of solid performances that embody the uniqueness of each member of the Peanuts gang. Sarah Fairchild is adorable as Sally Brown giving voice to the thoughts many of us have had about the infuriating nature of jump ropes and seemingly subjective teacher grades. Jenn Ollivier needs to change her character’s name from Lucy Van Pelt to Lucy Van Belt. Her rendition of "The Doctor Is In" might literally blow you away.
The six-piece live orchestra led by Music Director Ben Bentler is more than impressive. The choreography by Tony Pallozzi manages to be both reminiscent of childhood play and intricate at the same time. The sets are simple and clever. Director, Mary Rudd, has hit a home run with this first production from Newcastle Players.
The Newcastle Players are partners with Newport Creative Arts, a ministry program of Newport Covenant Church which includes theatrical works, visual arts, classical music, musical theater and children’s theater, and the shows are staged at Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue.
The Newcastle Players seek to fill the need of both audience and actors for more community theater opportunities on the East Side. More rare than an empty interstate, this show is free to the community thanks to local sponsorships. (Intermission includes a pass-the-hat fundraiser.) There is festival seating with the doors opening thirty minutes before the show.
If your midwinter break plans have you in town, come check out the show and bring friends. The show runs just under two hours including intermission. Refreshments, compliments of Newport Covenant Church, are offered for your enjoyment. With only six performances in the show’s run, mark your calendars now to see this little gem.
IF YOU GO:
Where: Newport Covenant Church, 12800 Coal Creek Pkwy SE, Bellevue
When: Friday, February 16, 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, February 23, 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 24, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
Contact: Look for Newport Players on Facebook, as their web page is still under construction.
